Drumroll please.....

I FINALLY heard from Fire Mountain Gems regarding the results of the 2013 Seed Bead Contest.  There were SOOOOOO many beautiful entries.  I am considered a 'finalist' - no big prize, no 'medal' - but the piece will appear in at least a catalog (maybe two) - and maybe a magazine at some point.  It is still an accomplishment to be PROUD of, and YES - I will brag about it.  I know I ALWAYS congratulate those that deserve it - and kinda hope the favor is returned.   I have been disappointed in the last few days to find that there are some out there in the bead world that don't appreciate others successes, and will be negative, snarky and dismissive about it.  I don't need 'em in my life.  We all need to stick together in this creative adventure - this artists life is just too short to worry any more about those that don't appreciate what others do. SO - without further ADO - here is the link to the Fire Mountain Gems Seed Bead Contest Gallery of Designs page featuring.... Mariposa.

http://www.firemountaingems.com/galleryofdesigns/jewelry_design_gallery.asp?docid=D888

And while you're browsing - please take the time to check out the other entrants and winners pieces.  Some amazing ART.

So anyway - now that that is done - What's next?  Well, I've applied to a few magazine challenges, and am hemming and hawing about another Bead Soup Blog Hop.  It's a little harder for me to participate now, as GOOGLE doesn't like the fact that I have two email addresses - and the one connected to commenting is NOT my main one.  I suppose I should probably figure out how to change it - but I have two addresses for a reason - it's not my fault that Google bought out the provider of one of them.  Meh.  And of  course - it's also the dreaded tax season.  Always fun and games when numbers are involved.  (I REALLY hope you can read the sarcasm in that sentence.  REALLY).
I have managed to set aside the numbers (the totals aren't as gut wrenching as expected) and do a bit of creating.  Trying to use up many of the pieces that I've accumulated over the years - yep.  The UFO's.  My brain seems to be coming up with unique ways to use simple focals - specifically some of the filigree.  Having fun with it - no photos yet.  Work in progress.  BUT - if you haven't been on Facebook - you missed this one - a ceramic focal piece purchased from the OTHER Cheryl Stevens - she lives right here in Michigan - but up in the Soo.  Here's what I made with one I got from her this summer - and it went out the door to a new owner practically the same day!  I sure wish they'd ALL do that!

Still have one more from her that has a very summery feel and coloring to it - not quite ready to pull that one together yet.  And I DEFINITELY want to work with Pantone's Color of the Year - Radiant ORCHID!

From the Pantone website

So there you have it.  The first 14 days of the new year are of course, as always - BEADIFUL.
Peaceful beading,
TTFN